IBM Corporation, the Native American Chamber of Commerce, SeniorNet and the U.S. Department of the Interior bring free computer access and training to the Tigua community

SANTA CLARA, CA, August 17, 2007 – Sponsors and partners of the ‘Hope and Harmony for Humanity’ Initiative will open the third Technology Achievement Center for rural Native American communities Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in El Paso, Texas. The Tigua Achievement Center located at the Tigua Education Center (11100 Santos Sanchez, El Paso, TX 79927), will provide computer and Internet access, education and training for reservation residents of all ages. Opening ceremonies begin at 2:00 p.m. CDT.

The Tigua Achievement Center is the third of five Achievement Centers to be opened as part of Hope and Harmony for Humanity, a collaborative, grant-based initiative of IBM, the Native American Chamber of Commerce, SeniorNet and the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, designed to bring computer technology access and education to low-income and remote Native American reservations across the United States. In the past year, the collaborative has opened Achievement Centers on the Blackfeet Nation in Browning, Montana and for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Cass Lake, Minnesota.

“The Tigua community is very honored to have been selected as part of the Hope and Harmony for Humanity Initiative,” said Governor Art Senclair, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. “This Achievement Center provides the Tigua Pueblos with the opportunity to improve their computer literacy, enabling them to learn valuable life and work skills as well as to keep in touch with their family and the world at large. We’re thrilled to have these resources that will enable both our children and adults to learn and share together.”

In addition to a complete curriculum of technology classes, adult classes offered will include Family History and Genealogy, Health, Language Training, Work Skills, and Tutoring, as well as a host of life skills and enrichment curriculum. Made possible by an additional grant from the IBM Corporation, Tigua children will have access to a kid-friendly Young Explorer learning station. Manufactured by Little Tikes and IBM, the Young Explorer is loaded with award-winning educational software from Riverdeep - The Learning Company.

To promote reading among the reservation’s grades K-12 students, the SeniorNet online Book Club has organized a book donation program for the Achievement Center. For information on donating books visit: www.seniornet.org

In addition, the Tigua Achievement Center is a recipient of a Microsoft ‘Unlimited Potential’ grant. Through the program, Microsoft provides solutions and tools that suit the unique needs of each community. ‘Unlimited Potential’ aims to provide all people with the opportunity and skills to use the power of technology to access information, to communicate and collaborate with others, and to achieve their personal and professional goals. The Tigua Achievement Center will receive a suite of Microsoft Office software, curriculum and training to equip them for real-world workplace situations and personal advancement.

“The opening of the Tigua Achievement Center is an accomplishment that the Hope and Harmony for Humanity collaborative is really proud of,” said Leslie M. Smith, business development executive, IBM and SeniorNet board chairman. “IBM, SeniorNet and all of the partners know that each new Achivement Center helps bridge the ‘Digital Divide’ that still is prevalent among our rural Native American communities. The resources we’ve made available to the Tigua can create opportunities that will transform their community and help them realize their potential.”

About IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with over 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com.

About the Native American Chamber of Commerce (NACC)

The Native American Chamber of Commerce (www.namcham.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Native American business community through charitable, cultural and educational programs and initiatives for current and future generations. NACC is a growing 501(c)(3) organization with a combined membership of over 500 corporate and American Indian owned enterprises with members in 31 States. One of only thirteen Native American Chambers in the United States, NACC assists both corporations and small businesses profit through numerous programs.

About SeniorNet

Founded in 1986, SeniorNet is an international non-profit organization that has taught hundreds of thousands of adults age 50+ to use computers and the Internet and has enriched the lives of millions through its award-winning website, www.seniornet.org. With a thriving online community and a network of more than 200 locally run Learning Centers in the U.S. and abroad staffed by more than 3,500 volunteers, SeniorNet offers both offline and online destinations to a population that was originally neglected in the information revolution. With sponsorship by major corporations and foundations, private and public donations, and a backbone of individual members and contributors, SeniorNet continues to grow and offer new opportunities to those touched by its mission. SeniorNet headquarters is located in Santa Clara, CA.

About the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development

The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) was established within the Office of the Secretary, Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior to provide high-level support for the Department's goal of serving tribal communities by providing access to energy resources and helping tribes stimulate job creation and economic development.

For more information, contact:

Lisa Robinson

Director of Marketing and Business Development

SeniorNet

900 Layette Street, Suite 604

Santa Clara, CA 95050

Tel: 408-615-0699

Email:
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